March 20
March 20, 1852
Harriet Beecher Stowe Publishes Uncle Tom's Cabin
On March 20, 1852, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was published as a complete book after being serialized in an abolitionist newspaper. It became the best-selling novel of the 19th century and profoundly influenced attitudes toward slavery in America and abroad.
People: Harriet Beecher Stowe
Sources
1. Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin - National Park Service2. Uncle Tom's Cabin - Library of CongressMarch 20, 1957
Spike Lee Born
Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee was born on March 20, 1957, in Atlanta, Georgia. He became one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation, directing landmark films like Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, and BlacKkKlansman.
People: Spike Lee
Sources
1. Spike Lee - Biography - Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SciencesMarch 20, 1883
Jan Ernst Matzeliger Patents Shoe Lasting Machine
On March 20, 1883, Jan Matzeliger received a patent for his shoe lasting machine, which could produce up to 700 pairs of shoes per day compared to 50 by hand. The invention halved the price of shoes and made them affordable for working people.
People: Jan Ernst Matzeliger
Sources
1. Jan Ernst Matzeliger - National Park Service2. Jan Ernst Matzeliger - Smithsonian National Museum of American History3. Jan Ernst Matzeliger and the Shoe Lasting Machine - PBSLink copied!
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